Education and job challenges for UK's second-generation immigrants

Recent research comparing educational, employment, and occupational mobility between second-generation immigrants and White British individuals in the UK reveals significant disparities.

The study, by CPC-CG members Dr Valentina Di Iasio, Professor Corrado Giulietti and Professor Jackline Wahba OBE, finds that while second-generation immigrants generally achieve higher education levels, they face lower employment rates, particularly among university graduates. These findings indicate that despite educational achievements, second-generation immigrants encounter barriers to securing stable, high-skilled jobs.

Regional disparities further complicate the picture. Second-generation immigrants in London and the South exhibit more educational advancements than those in other regions, highlighting the influence of regional factors on educational opportunities and job prospects. This regional variation underscores the need for policies tailored to address these geographical discrepancies and support equitable access to education and employment.

The study also reveals that both White British individuals and second-generation immigrants, particularly graduates, have experienced upward occupational mobility compared to their fathers. However, second-generation immigrants’ rate of occupational mobility has not surpassed that of the White British group, despite their higher educational attainment. This points to persistent challenges in translating educational gains into occupational success for second-generation immigrants.

Overall, the research underscores the complexity of immigrant mobility in the UK. It emphasises the need for targeted policies to enhance educational access and labour market integration for second-generation immigrants. By addressing the specific barriers faced by different ethnic and regional groups, such policies could help reduce disparities and promote a more equitable labour market, contributing to the levelling up agenda.

Read the full briefing: Mind the gap: Education, employment and mobility of second-generation immigrants in the UK (CPC-CG Policy Briefing 75)

Posted 23/07/2024 08:36